Bauters attributed the decision to "relatively low demand and the effect of an excessive 25-percent tax on vehicles for commercial use (known as ‘the Chicken Tax')."

That tax, imposed half a century ago to prevent Volkswagen and other European carmakers from competing with smaller commercial trucks offered by the large U.S. companies--remains in force today despite periodic efforts to repeal it.

More demand elsewhere

"In contrast," she said, "sales of the MINI Clubvan have been strong in other markets worldwide, many of which benefit from tax advantages" on small commercial vehicles.